The 2026 World Championship is scheduled to take place from June 23 to 28 in Zagreb, Croatia, featuring 16 of the world’s top teams. So far, nine teams have been confirmed, including host Croatia, defending champions Germany, along with Vietnam, the Philippines, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Greece. The remaining slots will be determined through continental qualification events.
Vietnam secured their place at the world championship after winning the 2025 Asian Beach Handball Championship. At the tournament held in Oman, head coach Huynh Minh Ngon and his players delivered an impressive performance, defeating the Philippines 2–0 in the final to claim the gold medal.
Notably, this victory marked Vietnam’s third consecutive Asian title, following previous triumphs in 2022 and 2023. This remarkable achievement not only represents a historic milestone for Vietnamese handball but also cements the team’s position as one of Asia’s leading forces in the sport.
The squad that competed at the 2025 Asian Championship featured a strong lineup of experienced players, including Nguyen Thi Nhung, Pham Thi My Hang, Nguyen Thi Tra My, Nguyen Thi Phung Linh, Lu Ngoc Trinh, Ha Tha Hanh, Đam Thi Thanh Huyen, Đo Thi Nhu Quynh, Nguyen Thi Anh Tuyet, and Tran Hai Yen. Their blend of international experience and competitive determination played a key role in the team’s consistent success.
Participation in the 2026 World Championship will provide valuable opportunities for Vietnamese players to gain further experience and compete against the world’s best teams. It also serves as an important stepping stone for the future development of beach handball in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Vietnam’s men’s beach handball team did not qualify for the 2026 World Championship, highlighting the intense level of competition at both regional and global levels. Nevertheless, the women’s team’s achievements continue to demonstrate the strong potential and upward trajectory of Vietnamese beach handball on the international stage.
HY